How I Revived the Azziano Book Review Club During 2025
A Blueprint for Reigniting Community Reading
How I Revived the Azziano Book Review Club: A Blueprint for Reigniting Community Reading
The Nalanda Library, nestled within Rustomjee Urbania township’s Azziano building, is a testament to our community’s love for books, with its collection built from resident generosity.
Amidst this literary treasure, the Azziano Book Review Club was born in 2022, bringing readers together each month to share, discuss, and celebrate books. Yet, like many clubs, it faced its share of challenges.
By 2024, the club had lost momentum, affected by inconsistent attendance, wavering leadership, and experiments with format that diluted its core purpose. The vibrant monthly meetings faded away, and the joy of collective reading was almost lost.
As someone deeply passionate about reading, I knew this tradition deserved a revival.
In September 2025, I took the initiative to restart the club, determined to rebuild its spirit and make it more accessible and engaging for all.
Here’s how I brought the Azziano Book Review Club back to life:
- Keep It Simple and Focused: We chose a single book per month, capped at 300 pages, priced affordably at under ₹300, ensuring everyone could participate without feeling overwhelmed or financially burdened.
- Flexible, Efficient Meetings: Monthly reviews were streamlined to one hour, with brief reviews and discussions. Meeting times were adjusted to fit members’ schedules, fostering greater consistency and participation.
- Affordability and Accessibility: We used online stores to access deals and encouraged borrowing within the group, making reading more inclusive. Mumbai’s long commutes turned into productive reading time for many members.
- Tracking and Motivation: I introduced a Reader Performance Tracker that rewarded points for reading, reviewing, and attending sessions. Such a gamified approach spurred healthy competition and accountability.
- Core Community: A dedicated core of readers, Shikha Bajaj, Mohit Jain, Susan Anand, and Bhavani, helped sustain the club’s energy, ensuring lively meetings and rich discussions.
- Building Bonds: Lending books fostered connections beyond the club, as members interacted with fellow residents, sharing tips and encouragement.
Our efforts paid off during the last four months of 2025. From September to November 2025, we reviewed three books: Think Fast, The Gut, and Big Magic. In January 2026, we began the year with two new titles: Calling Sehmat and The Silent Patient.
The Azziano Book Review Club’s renewed vitality is a testament to the power of community and shared passion.
If you’re seeking to revive or start a book club, remember to keep it simple, encourage interaction, and adapt to your members’ needs.
In a world dominated by digital distractions, a book club can anchor the habit of reading and nurture meaningful connections.